Syracusecards
DA's pass went that way
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Offensive coordinator Keith Rowen made an immediate impression with players during minicamp with his enthusiasm and attention to detail. Much is riding on Rowen, who is in his first year as coordinator. The offensive staff was in disarray for much of last year, partly because coach Dennis Green fired his line coach and added two assistants during the season. Green is comfortable with Rowen, a former assistant of his in Minnesota. Rowen's background as an offensive line coach and in the running game should help. The Cardinals line needs to play much better than it did last year. . . .
Anquan Boldin's absence because of a contract dispute can't be underestimated. He's the team's best offensive player by a large margin, and the club doesn't have anyone who can match his production. Larry Fitzgerald has the ability but has yet to reach that level. Bryant Johnson is a solid third receiver but hasn't become a big-play threat. And there is no young receiver ready to emerge. . . .
Orlando Huff, signed as a free agent in the offseason, is playing outside linebacker on the weak side instead of middle linebacker, where he played in Seattle. Huff runs well, and the hope is that he's athletic enough to hold down that spot. The move is surprising, however, because he replaces James Darling, who played well there last year.
SCOUTING REPORT: FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo is not the prototype lead blocker, although he does an adequate job of it. But his versatility makes him a valuable player. Ayanbadejo has some running ability and he has excellent hands. That made him an increasingly important factor in the team's red zone offense last year. He scored four touchdowns, including three on the ground. With him in the game, teams can't just lock in on the tailback. They have to account for Ayanbadejo's running and receiving ability. He is also an excellent special teams player, recording 16 tackles last year.
MINICAMP MAYHEM: The offensive line must make great strides if it's going to adequately protect Kurt Warner. That group struggled at times in pass rush drills during the team's minicamp. The absence of left tackle Leonard Davis (knee) can't be blamed because his replacement, Jim Newton, was a pleasant surprise. . . .
WR Larry Fitzgerald had his way with CB Antrel Rolle, the team's first-round pick, in the first two days of camp. But Rolle seemed to adjust in the last practice and was better in coverage. . . .
WR LeRon McCoy, a seventh-round pick, dropped several passes over the three days. He had better show improvement if he wants to be the team's fourth receiver.
DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Grade: A. Right end Bertrand Berry proved to be one of the team's best free agent signings ever. New left end Chike Okeafor solidifies what should be an excellent front four.
Anquan Boldin's absence because of a contract dispute can't be underestimated. He's the team's best offensive player by a large margin, and the club doesn't have anyone who can match his production. Larry Fitzgerald has the ability but has yet to reach that level. Bryant Johnson is a solid third receiver but hasn't become a big-play threat. And there is no young receiver ready to emerge. . . .
Orlando Huff, signed as a free agent in the offseason, is playing outside linebacker on the weak side instead of middle linebacker, where he played in Seattle. Huff runs well, and the hope is that he's athletic enough to hold down that spot. The move is surprising, however, because he replaces James Darling, who played well there last year.
SCOUTING REPORT: FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo is not the prototype lead blocker, although he does an adequate job of it. But his versatility makes him a valuable player. Ayanbadejo has some running ability and he has excellent hands. That made him an increasingly important factor in the team's red zone offense last year. He scored four touchdowns, including three on the ground. With him in the game, teams can't just lock in on the tailback. They have to account for Ayanbadejo's running and receiving ability. He is also an excellent special teams player, recording 16 tackles last year.
MINICAMP MAYHEM: The offensive line must make great strides if it's going to adequately protect Kurt Warner. That group struggled at times in pass rush drills during the team's minicamp. The absence of left tackle Leonard Davis (knee) can't be blamed because his replacement, Jim Newton, was a pleasant surprise. . . .
WR Larry Fitzgerald had his way with CB Antrel Rolle, the team's first-round pick, in the first two days of camp. But Rolle seemed to adjust in the last practice and was better in coverage. . . .
WR LeRon McCoy, a seventh-round pick, dropped several passes over the three days. He had better show improvement if he wants to be the team's fourth receiver.
DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Grade: A. Right end Bertrand Berry proved to be one of the team's best free agent signings ever. New left end Chike Okeafor solidifies what should be an excellent front four.
